HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012-019 Council Resolution•
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CITY OF LINO LAKES
RESOLUTION NO. 12 -19
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CENTENNIAL FIRE DISTRICT
CHIEF TO EXPLORE LEGISLATIVE CHANGES TO ALLOW FOR
LOCAL CONTROL OF AMBULANCE SERVICES
WHEREAS, the City of Lino Lakes participates in a joint powers agreement with the
cities of Centerville and Circle Pines that created Centennial Fire District to provide emergency
fire and first response medical service, and
WHEREAS, the Centennial Fire District has provided medical services to the residents
of its member communities since 1985; and
WHEREAS, the Centennial Fire District is recognized for a high level of medical
services, which provides a minimum EMT level response for all medical calls; and
WHEREAS, the Centennial Fire District responds to over 680 medical calls a year; and
WHEREAS, the Centennial Fire District is typically at the scene before an ambulance
provider; and
WHEREAS, the Centennial Fire District has assessed its capabilities and believes it
could provide more timely transport of patients as the primary ambulance provider for the
community; and
WHEREAS, there are legislative hurdles that restrict local decisions on ambulance
services; and
WHEREAS, local governments are in the best position to make decisions about the
provision of local ambulance services;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Lino Lakes City Council as follows:
1. The Centennial Fire District Chief is authorized to meet with other interested cities in
developing legislative changes to allow for local control of ambulance services.
2. The Centennial Fire District Chief is authorized to work with local legislators in
developing appropriate legislation that give cities the right to local determination.
3. Subsequent to the legislature granting authority for local determination of the
ambulance provider, Centennial Fire District shall submit a service plan and
recommendation to each participating city for a decision.
4. The City acknowledges that an affirmative determination by each of the three cities
will be required before implementation could begin.
Adopted this 27th day of February, 2012, by the Lino Lakes City Council.
This resolution was introduced by Council Member Roeser and duly seconded by
Council Member Stoesz , and upon a vote being taken thereof, the following voted
in favor thereof:
Roeser, Stoesz, Rafferty, O'Donnell, Reinert
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The following voted against same:
none
ATTEST:
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Julian e Bartell, City,lerk
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CITY COUNCIL
AGENDA ITEM 3A
STAFF ORIGINATOR: Jeff Karlson, City Administrator
MEETING DATE: February 27, 2012
TOPIC: Resolution Authorizing Fire Chief to Seek Legislative Changes
VOTE REQUIRED: 3/5
INTRODUCTION
The City Council is being asked to consider the adoption of a resolution authorizing Fire Chief
Jerry Streich to work with our local state representatives to introduce legislative changes that
would allow for more local control of ambulance services by designating its primary service
area (PSA).
BACKGROUND
At the October 27, 2011 and January 26, 2012 steering committee meetings, Chief Streich
introduced and expounded on the idea of the Centennial Fire District providing ambulance
services to the three communities. The primary reasons for his proposal was to: (1) help offset
the costs of future daytime fire personnel, (2) maintain local control, (3) provide better quality
care, and (4) generate additional revenue for district operations and equipment. The steering
commission approved this concept at its January 26, 2012 meeting.
Current law requires the EMS regulatory board (EMSRB) to "designate each licensed
ambulance service as serving a primary service area or areas." There are two private
ambulance services within the fire district. North Memorial covers the majority of Lino Lakes
and Centerville. Allina covers the far western portion of Lino Lakes and all of Circle Pines.
A bill has been drafted, which would permit a local government to first designate a primary
service area and then assign a licensed ambulance service to serve the area. This would bring
about a major change in how service areas are designated.
The resolution you are considering at tonight's meeting would authorize Chief Streich to
officially represent the fire district in pursuing legislative changes that would allow for local
control of ambulance services. Mr. Streich will be attending the meeting to explain this
proposal and the steps he is taking to work with local legislators.
RECOMMENDATION
Adopt Resolution No. 12 -19, authorizing Fire Chief Jerry Streich to explore legislative changes
to allow for local control of ambulance services.